| Great to have some tips on more economical places to stay - thx. Stayed at the Sofitel and enjoyed that very much - a slice of Somerset Maugham. Near that hotel, splurge (still cheap!!) on dinner at the Opera restuarant across from the side entrance - also the Press Club next door. Check out the papers - we found a free son et lumiere show at a French cultural club. THe Perfume Pagoda was a great trip - about an hour in a small skiff rowed by a woman who spoke no English...just took in the green, the manzing mountains, the sounds of birds...such peace...then a gentle hike to the pagoda - beautiful - an lunch - interesting and tasty (no Canada Food Safe Program in evidence). CHeck out a restored Chinese merchant house in the old quarter - intersting for architecture buffs. Wnet to a cermaics village and a silk village - and stopped by the road to wander into a Catholic village, find a priest and got to ring the church bells. Great people -- in a few places, spontaneous singing, beautiful smils. Will go back ;-) Enjoy!  |